Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria books for the arc. I LOVED this story. Ev was wonderful. I loved the fact that she could feel the emotions of objects or more specifically, the emotions people leave on objects. I loved that. The idea that someone could hold something be it a pen, a spoon etc and give them your emotions. Imagine using a pen to write a goodbye letter etc.
Hillary has a collection of objects and is enlisting Ev to help her make something amazing of her collection. However, Ev knows her gift is not a wonderful as it seems and it can take her down a dark path.

This was such a beautiful story and I enjoyed every minute of it. The pressure Ev felt, the fear she had. I felt like I was in the book with them, watching every step.

Evelyn has a special gift. She can sense objects and all of the emotions attached to them. Now 22, Ev has had a hard life; orphaned at 8, with her younger sister Noemi, 4. But she has gotten through her past and spends her days dumpster diving for treasures to sell that are “stained” - fitted with every emotional attachment one could think of. These stained objects make certain people drawn to them because of the emotional attachment - a pocket watch that holds memories of a grandfather‘s kind nature, or a spoon that reminds one of the women who cooked many meals for her family. But there are also dark and menacing stains, evil attachments that Ev stays far away from.

Harriet is in her 70’s and has a gift similar to Ev’s. But instead of selling her finds, Harriet has surrounded herself with her treasures, living as a hoarder in an apartment and facing eviction. She happens upon Ev and her friend Owen and though a series of events, the trio begin to move Harriet’s stained objects into a larger space, in hopes to make them an art exhibit.

<i>The Memory Collectors</i> is a poignant, heartfelt novel that weaves through both Harriet and Evelyn’s perspectives. Both women have lost and learned so much by the end of the novel and it makes it that much sweeter. The magical components are lighthearted and the ideas that each object has a muscle memory is one that I find can be true - and almost hope for.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book for my honest review.

Having a special gift sounds exciting right?

Objects have stories to tell - both positive and negative. Two women with a shared gift are haunted by their pasts. Ev can feel the emotions that people leave behind on objects. She believes these items should be handled carefully and destroyed if possible. Harriett hoards objects and her neighbors are getting sick from the emotions that are traveling through the walls of her apartment into theirs.

When these women meet, they decide to work together to build a museum. What will happen when they do? What will the process be like?

There is a saying about leaving the past in the past, how do you do so when objects carry emotions and you feel them? When the past is tied to things you either covet or cast away? Will your gifts haunt you, cause you harm, bring danger, or will they set you free? What if you embrace your talent? What if you become immune to it? What if the objects you touch, affect, and/or change you?

This book is told through the POV of the two characters - Ev and Harriett. This book started slowly for me but picked up some steam. It's hard to say too much without giving anything away. I found this book to be interesting, strange, different, original, and dark.

I found this to be a well-written debut novel. At times, I felt there was a lot of detail, but I do understand that she was doing this to show the women's gifts, how they sense emotions, how objects absorb feelings and emotions.

I went back and forth on my rating and decided on 3.5 stars rounded up.

*** Plus, that beautiful cover***

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an hon

This debut novel had a lot going for it! Part magical mystery, part human emotions. Evelyn can sense things from inanimate objects, including books. While I thought at first that this would be a wonderful skill, I soon found out that it is not necessarily the case. Not all emotions are sweet and light, many are dark and troublesome. Evelyn soon meets Harriet, another collector, a memory keeper, who tries to help Evelyn with her knowledge, which was fascinating in itself. The friendships formed and then broken along the way made this all the more interesting. The first half of the story kept me fully engaged, but it got a little murky further on. Still a unique story!

Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Wow, what a beautiful and well-written book about the memories attached to objects.  I love the very separate voices between the two main characters.  The references to previous times were well marked and not jarring as in some books with multiple timelines. 

I want to hang out with all of these people, that's how good these characters are! 

The only feedback I really have for the arc is that sometimes it's a little too introspective with long inner monologues.  I can't imagine how to get this part of the story across otherwise, but that's why I read books, not write them.

This was such a fascinating fictional look at "stuff" and the possibility of memories or feelings being attached to that stuff. It was a quick read, interesting from the start to the finish, but I just felt that it ended rather abruptly. The high intensity of the storyline kind of fizzled out at one point, but Neville was able to pick it back up and regain the fire. Great story and wonderful characters. I enjoy when I am not sure if the protagonist is someone to be cheered on or cautioned and this is one that keeps you wondering until the end.

This was an interesting story. I felt like it started off without a ton of explanation and it almost felt like you missed something, but it wasn’t so much that you couldn’t put it together. It was an intriguing story but just missed being really, really great.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. I'll be posting my review on Goodreads and Amazon

The Memory Collectors is the debut by Kim Neville. It’s a magical, yet also heartbreaking tale, that follows two women with a similar talent—the ability to read objects.
Evelyn is a young woman who sees and feels objects as “stained,” their negative experiences left behind on the surface. Harriet is an older woman who lives among her “bright” objects—objects that Harriet believes carry bright and happy memories. One woman is desperate to close herself off and let go, while the other is just as desperate to hang on. When Harriet recruits Evelyn to help her with sharing her bright objects with the world, she does not expect Evelyn to bring her stain with her. Soon the two women are caught in a desperate battle to save themselves, and each other.
Neville’s novel initially plays out in a similar fashion to Paula Brackston’s The Little Shop of Found Things, with magical objects and a young woman’s ability to read them. However, as you delve deeper, the emotional energy and power of “Collectors” comes to the surface. Objects are now both positive and negative, and they have the ability to help you move on, or to bury you.
Harriet and Evelyn are intriguing characters, both flawed from troubled and broken backgrounds, and both have different ideas as to their abilities. Although in every respect Harriet is a hoarder, she is also a woman full of hope and enthusiasm, regardless of her age and mobility. Evelyn’s sister, Noemi, is self-centred, entitled and spoiled. However, her personality helps the reader to understand Evelyn far better, and is therefore a forgivable foil. Owen, too, adds a little masculinity to the mix. He creates artwork from the found pieces in an effort to reconnect with his estranged son, and though not a major role, he crucially serves to connect Harriet and Evelyn.
The story is told from the perspective of Harriet and Evelyn, alternating between present day and (at least in Evelyn’s case), a defining incident in her past. This style increases the tension and suspense, as the reader is aware there must be a secret waiting to be revealed. The build-up makes the reveal that much more enjoyable. When the ending came, it was not entirely unexpected, but it was well-written and perfectly meshed with the flow of the story.
The Bottom Line: The Memory Collectors is an incredibly moving tale, and impressive debut. Neville writes with skill, grace, and emotion, which portends to a successful career. Readers who are looking for suspense with a little bit of magic, mixed in with raw emotion and heartbreak, will find what they seek in The Memory Collectors.

4.5🌟
“Life is change. Experiences change you. People change you.”
What to say about The Memory Collector?
It is very hard to put into words how I feel about this story. I’m having a hard time formatting my thoughts. It is VERY well written...just such a unusual and unique story to digest. I can’t say it was a enjoyable read but more of a heartbreaking, perplexing read with magical elements.
The Memory Collector is about Evelyn and Harriet who are collectors....collectors of objects. Objects that pull at them emotionally and personally.
When you read this book, take the time to take it all in. It took me several days to finish this book....there is ALOT to take in.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a beautiful and heartbreaking tale. Evelyn can sense the feelings in objects and her past haunts her. This is her story of how she conquers her past and her fears. The story was unique, well written, and unforgettable.

My best advice is to NOT read the reviews before you grab this book.
Grab it, settle into a comfortable spot, turn off your phone and enjoy.
It is a wonderful mixture of fantasy and possibilities, women's fiction, gentle mystery, family relationships and so much more. There are parts of the book that may make you uncomfortable, especially if you are a collector of any sort.
GOOD. This means you are making an emotional connection.
There are several reasons I did not read this book in one sitting, not the least of which was that I did not want it to end. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. I was curious about the truth about the past, a past so traumatic that Ev, our main character, with special talents, did her best to block it out - both physically and mentally.

The sister relationship is tangled and complicated and each reader will have her own feelings about Noemi.
The friendships developed in this book are challenged at times and evolve, sometimes deteriorating and testing the bonds. I bet after reading The Memory Collectors you will look at your "stuff" differently.
Both physical stuff and emotional stuff.

This book was very different but I liked it. The idea that things have feelings is such a great idea for a story. I think that this is true in a way because we keep the things that we keep because of the way that they make us feel or they remind us of some time or person. This also draws attention to how things can take over our lives and that sometimes that can be unhealthy. I would like to read more books from this author because she has such a great imagination!

💫 Book Review 💫
The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville

Hey there, yep you. The one reading this. Ok stop re-reading the same sentence, I’m talking to you. I know you think I’m inanimate. I get that all you see a rectangle shaped group of papers put together.... But I am real. I have thoughts. Actually maybe not thoughts but rather feelings.

I guess I should explain myself. I’m technically a book. But I also absorb the emotions of every one who picks it up. So that guy to your left that read it in anger. Yep, I know where that anger is from. And you, you reading this right now, I know you’re feeling all the emotions. Life is hard and your emotions are seeping into me. ME! A book. I really wish I would have more people pick me up with happy thoughts, this way I’m not filled up with the emotions of anger and sadness. Sheesh. What’s a book gotta do around here to get some happy thoughts to share?!

Want to hear about the last couple women who picked me up? They weren’t looking at me with bewilderment like you. Because they’re seers. They know that we objects hold on to the dark or emotional wounds you humans carry with you. I have to say I was nervous when they added me to their pile of ‘treasures’ because there’s some bizarre pile of pain in there. And each of those women are holding onto hidden secrets.

Shhhh... I’m not going to tell you. But I will say that some parts of them are creepy. Just don’t tell them I shared that with you. I don’t need them to hide me away with all the other painful objects.

Once you’re done reading me. You’re going to want to go to a Christmas book. Because I know you humans need those happy books when things get too dark. So go ahead. Put me down. Walk away. Just see if the next person you send to me holds happy thoughts.... I need to feel good again too.

***
Happy Friday eve bookstagram. Just wanted to have a fun way to describe this unique (slightly bizarre and creepy) book. It’s a story about sisters (Evelyn & Naomi) whose family died in mysterious circumstances ... And another woman (Harriet) who by any standards would be named a hoarder in our terms. Evelyn and Harriet are connected through their ability to feel the emotions of an object. Good or bad. Painful or happy. They feel the memories that are attached to it. I think to start, I was struggling to get into it but then it clicked and I wanted to know more. There’s a touch of thriller. A touch of family. And a touch of mystery that combine to bring this debut book to print.

Thank you @simonand and @atriabooks for this ARC.

It was a good concept, but I found myself having a hard time settling into it. I think I wanted a little more of a warm, mythical vibe, and it was really more about family.

Enjoyable intriguing read. Captured my attention from the beginning, I actually looked forward to reading to learn outcome of book. Interesting premise how possessions capture feelings marking them as "stains". Multi-faceted book weaving “stains” of objects, rich characters, family histories & hope. Ms Neville’s book took turns I did not expect.

Main characters Ev & Harriet could not be more opposite yet as they interact based on necessity they evolve developing a bond of respect and skill. Ev is a hands off I don’t want attachments kind of person, while Harriet has need to collect things, “stains” that capture all types of feelings. Each character interesting and enjoyed reading about.

Ms Neville introduces supporting characters, Owen, Naomi although both polar opposites as well, bring additional intrigue to thicken the plot and take reader down unexpected paths.

A great book to share with my friends. I would love to read more stories of the memory collectors. Looking forward to future creations of Ms Neville. The memory collectors is on my recommended reading list.

Ev is sensitive. She feels the emotions of every object she touches or comes into contact with. She is so overwhelmed by this mysterious gift that she has turned into a loner. Trusting no one and holding onto her sanity the best way she can.

Unable to hold a job where there are so many people or chances to be overwhelmed by the emotions left anywhere, she scavenges from dumpsters and sells her harmless finds at Vancouver’s night market, trying to make the rent and maybe some food.

Owen is much older than Ev but is also a dumpster diver, looking for odd things to create his art. He also watches out for Ev and makes sure she eats and isn’t bothered.

Harriet is a hoarder. She is also a sensitive and her home is so full of things with bad energy that it is making her neighbors ill. They want her gone. Harriet has a secret too. About Ev. And her sister.

When Harriet and Ev meet, Harriet knows that this is who can help her with her ‘collection’. But Ev wants no part of the mess Harriet has. Until her sister returns from wherever she has been.

In order to keep a roof over their heads, Ev takes Harriet up on her offer and she and Owen begin transferring all of the collection into an abandoned bank which Harriet wants to turn into a healing museum and put all the ‘bad’ vibe things in a bank vault. Really good idea I thought.

But a monkey wrench named Noemi, is bringing an even darker vibe. She’s pushing Ev to remember the past when Ev doesn’t want to. She has blocked out her parents' deaths and wishes her sister would just stop. But will she? Will what they find destroy them all? It just may.

Not all the objects one collects are full of happiness and joy. Some are full of anger, hate, and death. Be careful which one you choose.

I felt such sympathy for Ev and even Harriet. Not so for Noemi. She was not even close to being a good human being.

So many feelings in this one story. Well Done!

NetGalley Reviews/ March 16th, 2021 by Atria Books

I like for a novel to surround me with its world and this one certainly does that. I’m claustrophobic and found it uncomfortable to be surrounded by the world of a hoarder, stacks of newspapers and other items that must be slid through sideways always with the threat of caving in and burying the adventurer. I was afraid this book was going to give me nightmares. I stayed up quite late one night finishing it, hoping as a reader to find my way out!
It’s very well written, and the whole thing feels like a maze. Where are we going with these characters? Are any of them really good people?What are our relationships with things, with ourselves? It’s an uncomfortable book, but a good one.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Memory Collectors is a story that plays heavily on the senses, in this case not just articulately creating a world in which the reader lives, but also tying strong emotions into the objects that characters encounter as they move throughout the story. Ev is someone that has always been able to sense emotions tied to objects, and it eventually leads her to Harriet, who experiences the same thing. And while Harriet has spent years building up an immunity of sorts to the objects she collects Ev has experienced a disastrous effect of those strong emot ions that has led her to fear coming into contact with anything that anyone has formed an attachment to. While Harriet works to convince her that feeling those emotions doesn't have to be a bad thing, Harriet's sister Noemi reenters her life and causes new emotions that cause conflict between her and Ev, and challenge the relationships Ev also has with Harriet and her friend Owen. Neville at some points during the story does a fantastic job of channeling the emotions in the reader. I definitely felt strongly about Noemi and her relationship with Ev. I also could almost literally feel Harriet's collection of things weighing me down. And that is the sticky part. Books that play on the senses have to walk a very fine line or else there is sensory overload - and I feel to some extent that the author works so hard to build up all of these objects and the emotions behind them that the reader is stuck in a horde of emotions and it's difficult to follow the underlying story the author wants to tell, which feels a little thin mixed in with the bright/stained objects that she focuses so heavily on. Is it about Harriet learning to let go? Is it about Ev learning to embrace her special talent? Is it about the hidden layers of the relationship between Ev and Noemi? I'm never quite sure if it is supposed to be all or one of these things, and the building of a collection of the bright/stained items feels like a tenuous link moving the story along.

I received a free ARC from Netgalley.
This book grabbed my attention from the start. Ev can feel "stains" (feelings) attached to objects. Sometimes the negative ones are overwhelming. As we get deeper into the story, we meet Harriet who is similar in feeling emotions attached to objects. This book takes a bit of a dark turn where I wasn't sure where it would end up for a bit. Great spookiness for the Halloween season. This book definitely stood out as different from anything I've read before.